MCB Disability as a Qualification for Employment

Published Jul 20, 2020
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Disability as a Qualification for Employment

July - September 2020

The Massachusetts Commission for the Blind (MCB) was interested in learning more about the type and number of employment opportunities for which having a disability would help make a job candidate qualified.  MCB partnered with Work Without Limits, an initiative of Commonwealth Medicine, the consulting and operations services division of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, to collect this information through focus groups and interviews.

Results:

People with disabilities have life experiences that can help them succeed in the labor market. These life experiences can benefit any workplace.
Read the MCB Disability As A Qualification for Employment Report
Project Goals
  • Gain the perspectives of employers and employed individuals with disabilities
  • Develop the business case for individuals with disabilities
  • Provide a resource for MCB and other vocational rehabilitation professionals
  • Educate, inform and empower job seeking individuals with disabilities
Key Stakeholders to be Engaged During this Project
  • Disability-inclusive employers
  • Employed individuals with disabilities
  • Employed individuals with visual impairments
  • Former and current consumers of MCB vocational rehabilitation services
Benefits of Participating in a Focus Group or Interview
  • Provide a rich understanding of the opinions and beliefs of employers and employees with disabilities
  • Educate, inform and empower vocational rehabilitation professionals and job seeking candidates with disabilities for years to come
Project Outputs
  • A resource that educates, informs and empowers job seeking candidates with disabilities of the value they bring to the workplace
  • Estimated to be available in October 2020
Data Collection and Engagement Modes
  • Focus groups and interviews conducted virtually via Zoom and/or by phone
  • Outreach by Work Without Limits and MCB staff and providers

Questions?

If you have any questions about this project, please reach out to:

Nathan Skrocki, MCB,  nathan.w.skrocki@mass.gov or 413-781-1290 x7817203

or Kathy Muhr, Work Without Limits, Director of Community Engagement, Kathy.Muhr@umassmed.edu or 508-856-3533